BRIEFLY

City of Anaheim dropped pyramid scheme charges.

Misdemeanor charges were dismissed Tuesday against Zelbert W. Ritchie, who had been charged with making misleading statements to investors and perpetrating an illegal "endless chain" scheme that involved growing soured milk cultures for use in cosmetics. Harry Hicks, Ritchie's lawyer, said Anaheim Deputy City Atty. Grover Merritt moved to dismiss the case after the jury had been selected. Merritt could not be reached for comment.